Doctors
Specialists & Allied Health Professionals
Nurses
Marianne Shaw
Nurse Manager
Nurse Marianne joined The Surgery at Jerra in 2025, bringing nearly 50 years of nursing experience with her. She started out at Geelong Hospital in Victoria with hospital-based training, then later completed her Bachelor of Nursing at ACU.
Since moving to the ACT in 1988, Nurse Marianne has worked in just about every hospital around Canberra, spent time in a skin cancer practice, and then did 15 years as a nurse contractor to the ADF. She’s also led nursing teams in general practice. Looking after people is simply part of who she is.
When she’s not at work, Nurse Marianne and her husband are busy on their commercial organic raspberry farm or looking after about 30 cows. He likes to call them a herd, but she secretly wants to give each one a name.
They also have six wonderful kids and six cheeky grandies who keep life very lively. And whenever there’s a spare moment, travel is always on the cards.
Makenzie Upton
Practice Nurse
Growing up in a small coastal town, Nurse Makenzie always dreamed big—which is exactly what brought her to the ‘Big Smoke’ to pursue a career in nursing. With hands-on experience in Queanbeyan community health and Yass Hospital, she discovered her true passion lay in practice nursing, where she could build meaningful connections with patients and be part of their healthcare journey over time. Nurse Makenzie is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel at ease. Her approach to care is compassionate, holistic, and thoughtfully tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. When she’s not at work, you’ll find Makenzie embracing the great outdoors on camping adventures or catching up with friends and family—her favourite way to recharge.
Jess Kneale
Practice Nurse
Jess joined The Surgery at Jerra in August 2023 as one of our Registered Nurses and quickly became an integral part of the team. With over a decade of nursing experience, she started her career as an Enrolled Nurse before graduating as a Registered Nurse in 2019. Thanks to her husband’s Defence Force career, Jess had the opportunity to travel across Australia, gaining valuable experience in Indigenous nursing, acute and medical care, cardiac health, and remote nursing. Along the way, she discovered her passion for pain management—treating it, not causing it!
In late 2024, Jess was promoted to Nurse Coordinator, where she continues to bring her expertise, leadership, and dedication to patient care.
Outside of work, Jess is a busy mum to two school-aged children and spends her weekends on sporting adventures with them. Now that her family has settled out of Defence life, she’s embracing the ‘Canberran lifestyle’—though she’s still working out exactly what that means beyond navigating roundabouts and discussing the best places for coffee.
Rachel O’Brien
Practice Nurse
Rachel joined The Surgery at Jerra in early 2024, bringing enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the team. Graduating at the end of 2020, she started her nursing career with a true baptism of fire—working in a COVID response team at the height of the pandemic. Since then, she has gained valuable experience in a geriatric ward and general practice nursing, where she enjoys building relationships with patients and supporting them through their healthcare journey.
In her spare time, Rachel loves nothing more than putting her feet up with a good book and a hot cup of tea—unless, of course, there’s live music or musical theatre calling her name. She firmly believes that a great story, whether in a book or on stage, is the perfect way to unwind (bonus points if there’s a cup of tea involved!).
Admin
Kylie Yates
TSAJ Co-owner
As the owner and business manager of The Surgery at Jerra, Kylie is responsible for the bigger picture—strategic planning, financial operations, and making sure the practice runs like a well-oiled machine (or at least as close as possible!). With a strong focus on care, compassion, teamwork, and trust, she’s passionate about building a thriving workplace culture where both staff and patients feel valued.
Before stepping into the world of general practice, Kylie had an extensive career in broadcast media and communications, working as a news journalist, presenter, newsroom chief of staff, and producer for multiple television networks. She’s also worked in communications for the Australian Medical Association and as a media adviser to a senior Federal Cabinet Minister across three portfolios—so she’s no stranger to high-pressure environments!
At home, Kylie and Dr David Yates have three teenagers together, and she’s a ‘stepmonster’ to two very big boys. A long-time Brumbies fan, she’s even spent years coaching junior rugby for the Queanbeyan Whites (why just watch when you can get involved?).
When she’s not overseeing the practice, wrangling teenagers, or watching rugby, Kylie enjoys traveling, crosswords, and the idea of going bike riding—though finding the time and energy is another story! She’s recently taken up CrossFit, but she’s the first to admit she’s more ‘CrossUnfit’ than a ninja warrior. And while some people swear by coffee, Kylie is firmly in the tea camp—preferably enjoyed in peace and quiet, though she knows that’s wishful thinking!
Jamie Nicoll
Practice Manager
Jamie has been navigating healthcare roles for 22 years. She relocated to Australia in 2008 and has gained experience across general practice, surgical practice, public and private hospital settings. She describes general practice as ‘organised chaos’ and after all these years still loves it! Jamie is passionate about ensuring TSAJ is providing safe and quality healthcare to our community.
Jamie escapes to adventure in the country or at the coast with her young daughter as often as possible. She has a love for live music, the outdoors, still supports The All Blacks and can create a spectacular charcuterie board.
She can be found scurrying around in the background at the practice, with a laptop and cup of coffee in hand.
Scott Weaire
Practice Manager
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? After 25 years in banking, Scott decided it was time for a career change – one that involved more people and less paperwork. He joined The Surgery at Jerra in early 2023 after completing his Certificate III in Health Services, eager to gain hands-on experience in patient care. Originally planning to start a Bachelor of Nursing in 2024, Scott quickly realised he loved TSAJ too much to leave. He was promoted to Reception Manager in mid-2024 before stepping up the ladder in 2025.
A father of five, Scott is no stranger to multitasking, organisation, and a little bit of chaos—all skills that serve him well in keeping the practice running smoothly. When he’s not supporting the TSAJ team, he’s busy being a dedicated groupie, cheering on his partner as he rocks out on the drums in a pipe band.
Scott also loves gardening and discovering new coffee spots, so much so that he and his partner are setting up their own coffee van to run on weekends. Because if you can’t find the perfect brew, why not serve it yourself? Watch this space!
Emilia Heyne
Reception Manager
Born and raised in Jerrabomberra, Emilia recently returned home after spending the last 4.5 years in Newcastle. With experience working in a GP practice for the past 1.5 years, she’s passionate about patient care and keeping things running smoothly at the front desk.
Outside of work, Emilia enjoys staying active—whether it’s playing netball with friends or keeping up with her much-adored Rottweiler and cat (who no doubt have very different opinions on who’s in charge). In her downtime, she loves getting lost in a good book—because sometimes, the best kind of adventure is one that doesn’t require leaving the couch!
Sandra Koost
Medical Receptionist
Sandra joined the reception team at The Surgery at Jerra in July 2022, bringing experience from a diverse career across finance, health, and business sectors. Her organisational skills and friendly nature make her a valued part of the team, helping to keep the front desk running smoothly.
Sandra and her family moved to Canberra in 2010 after an exciting three-year posting in Washington, DC. Having also lived in several locations across Australia, they’ve now firmly planted their roots in Jerrabomberra, calling it home.
Outside of work, Sandra loves spending time with family and friends, exploring new holiday destinations, and sailing with her husband in their Hobie sailing kayak—though she insists she does more of the “enjoying” while he does the sailing! When she’s not out on the water, you’ll find her walking, relaxing with a good book, or planning the next adventure.
Kellie Bennett
Medical Receptionist
Kellie joined The Surgery at Jerra in late 2022 and quickly became a friendly and reliable presence at the front desk. With over 25 years of experience, she’s a true trooper—tackling the endless stream of admin tasks with a smile while making sure patients feel welcome and looked after.
Outside of work, Kellie enjoys spending time with her much-adored (and terribly spoilt) German Shepherd cross, Zeus. When she’s not out walking him, she’s putting her green thumb to good use in the garden. She has a particular love for growing orchids—but if only the weeds would take the hint and stay away!
Shaela Velstra
Medical Receptionist
Shaela has always wanted to work in the medical field, and joining The Surgery at Jerra is her first step toward truly helping people. She’s excited to be part of the team and enjoys making patients feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door.
Outside of work, Shaela loves hitting the gym and enjoying a good plate of spaghetti bolognese—though not at the same time (some things just don’t mix!). She’s also a big fan of camping and country music, often combining the two for the perfect outdoor escape. If there’s a campfire, a starry night, and a great playlist, she’s in her happy place!
Briana Murtagh
Medical Receptionist
How’s this for crawling? Briana claims she always wanted to work at The Surgery at Jerra but wanted to get some experience under her belt before she applied. She worked as a medical receptionist a busy practice in Queanbeyan for three and a half years before joining us in early 2024. When she’s not running around after her kids for their sporting activities, the family loves escaping for a little adventure—though they prefer to keep things comfortable, opting for glamping in their van rather than roughing it!
Kristine Alves
Medical Receptionist
Kristine joined The Surgery at Jerra in early 2025, bringing experience from her time as a radiology receptionist. Eager to expand her customer service and admin skills in a busier practice, she’s quickly become a valued part of the front desk team, helping patients feel welcome and well cared for.
Outside of work, Kristine loves cooking up a storm and baking sweet treats—something the team is very hopeful she’ll share from time to time (hint, hint!). She’s also a proud dog mum to two beautiful kelpies, Axel and Bella, who keep her on her toes just as much as a busy reception desk does!
Kyah Wolf
Medical Receptionist
Kyah joined The Surgery at Jerra in mid-2024 while continuing her studies in accounting and bookkeeping. Before joining the TSAJ family, she worked as a receptionist for a dermatologist and even ran her own remote administration business—so she’s no stranger to multitasking and organisation.
Outside of work, Kyah has a love for travel and learning new languages, including Indonesian, Korean, and Auslan. She also enjoys baking and experimenting with new recipes—though for the sake of her beloved rabbit, Harley, we assume rabbit stew is not on the menu! When she’s not in the kitchen, you might find her skateboarding, but never while playing with Harley (some things are best done separately!).
Kylie Yates
Surgery Co-Owner
Kylie Yates is responsible for the bigger picture when it comes to the practice such as strategic planning and the financial operations. She has an extensive background in broadcast media and communications. She’s worked for many television networks.. as a news journalist, presenter, newsroom chief of staff and producer. Kylie has also worked in communications for the peak doctors’ group, the Australian Medical Association and as a media adviser for a senior Federal Cabinet Minister across three portfolios. She and Dr Yates have three children and Kylie is ‘stepmonster’ to two very big boys. She’s an avid Brumbies fan and coached junior rugby for the Queanbeyan Whites for several years. Kylie loves to travel, do crosswords and loves to go bike riding but never has the time or the energy!